How Safe Is Your Kids’ Camp?

Summer camp—whether it’s an afternoon arts and crafts program or a full-season sleep-away—can be a great opportunity for your kids to make lifelong friends and enjoy adventures that will be remembered long after the fleeting season is over. It should also be a safe experience, and it usually is.

According to a 2009 study, attending summer camp poses no particular greater risk than any other outdoor activities. But if you have any concerns, it’s worth taking the time to ask yourself the following questions:

What do I think about the camp director?

You’d never send your children to school where you’ve never met the teacher, and you should treat “summer school” the same way. Tour the camp to get a feel of where your children will spend time, and ask the director about his or her background and education, how long he or she has worked with children, and the camp’s philosophy. Trust your parental gut: if something feels off, you may want to consider another camp.

Have they put it in writing?

Sure, you’ve read all of the glossy brochures promising a summer of endless fun, but what about the camp’s health policy? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all camps should have written health protocols and policies that have been reviewed and approved by a pediatrician or family physician. Ask to see your camp’s health policy, especially if your children have particular health concerns like allergies or asthma, to understand in advance how they will address a medical issue.

Ask to see your camp’s health policy, especially if your child has particular health concerns such as allergies or asthma, to understand in advance how they will address a medical issue.

Do I need insurance?

It’s a no-brainer to ask about the insurance and liability coverage your camp provides, but if you’ve invested a large amount of money in a camp experience and an injury, illness (or simple homesickness!) cuts the summer short, you may be out a considerable sum. Find out your camp’s cancellation policy, and if you’re unsatisfied or uneasy, you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your investment.

Have I checked the accreditation?

Summer camp state accreditation means the camp follows a certain set of safety and organizational standards. But, be aware that accreditation requirements vary from state to state. Some states, for instance, may not require criminal background checks for staff, or set a high camper-to-counselor ratio. The American Camp Association offers a voluntary accreditation, and the safety requirements may exceed those of some state-accreditations. Find out more about ACA accredited camps as well as summer camp regulations in your state. For older children heading out on rigorous climbing/hiking/horseriding experiences, you may also want to look at accreditation by the Association for Experiential Education.

There are, of course, numerous other things to consider depending on the age and health conditions of your children, the type of camp they are attending and the activities involved. We hope this can help you start thinking about the questions you want answered about your kids’ summer camps. As for what to pack, have you seen our handy list?